Round Rock Parks and Recreation continued its celebration of the Allen R. Baca Center’s 20th Anniversary with a special recognition ceremony attended by State Representative John Bucy, members of the Round Rock City Council, Baca Center members, volunteers, and community supporters. During the event, Representative Bucy presented an official State of Texas Resolution honoring the center’s legacy of service.

The resolution honors both the Baca Center’s 20th anniversary and the legacy of its namesake, Allen R. Baca, whose vision and leadership helped establish Round Rock’s first senior activity center. Through his dedication and community advocacy, the center has grown into a welcoming place where adults age 50 and older can stay active, build friendships, and enjoy lifelong learning.

Baca earned a pair of medals for heroism – the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross – while serving in the military during World War II.

In 1976, the state employee moved to Round Rock, where he would be an active civic servant. He served on the City of Round Rock Planning and Zoning Commission, led the effort to create the nonprofit Round Rock Senior Citizens Foundation and helped get a vacant bank turned into the city’s first-ever facility for seniors.

In 1994, the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce named Baca its Senior Citizen of the Year and in 2001 the Round Rock Historic Preservation Commission bestowed him with its Local Legend designation for his contributions to the community.

He later received the National Daily Points of Light Award, which honors individuals who address community needs, inspire others, and strengthen society through unpaid volunteer service.

Baca passed away in 2002. Four years later, the Round Rock Senior Activity Center was renamed in his honor.

Today, the Allen R. Baca Center offers more than 50 programs that promote health, wellness, recreation, and social connection, serving as an important gathering place for older adults throughout the community.

The City of Round Rock thanks State Representative John Bucy, the Round Rock City Council, and everyone who has supported the Allen R. Baca Center over the past 20 years. As the center celebrates this milestone, it looks forward to continuing its mission of building connections, creating memories, and strengthening the Round Rock community for years to come.

For more information on Allen R. Baca Center visit: roundrocktexas.gov/bacacenter